ONEROUS Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'onerous' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of onerous are burdensome , exacting , and oppressive . While all these words mean "imposing hardship," onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful. // the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

Q: In what contexts can 'burdensome' take the place of 'onerous'?

The synonyms burdensome and onerous are sometimes interchangeable, but burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain. // burdensome responsibilities

Q: Where would 'exacting' be a reasonable alternative to 'onerous'?

While the synonyms exacting and onerous are close in meaning, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding. // an exacting employer

Q: When might 'oppressive' be a better fit than 'onerous'?

In some situations, the words oppressive and onerous are roughly equivalent. However, oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed. // the oppressive tyranny of a police state

onerous

adjective

ˈä-nə-rəs

Definition of onerous next

as in tough

difficult to endure had the onerous and stressful job of notifying the families of soldiers killed in action

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention building the scale model of the frigate was an onerous task

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective onerous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of onerous are burdensome, exacting, and oppressive. While all these words mean "imposing hardship," onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

In what contexts can burdensome take the place of onerous?

The synonyms burdensome and onerous are sometimes interchangeable, but burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

Where would exacting be a reasonable alternative to onerous?

While the synonyms exacting and onerous are close in meaning, exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

When might oppressive be a better fit than onerous?

In some situations, the words oppressive and onerous are roughly equivalent. However, oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of onerous Cambridge decided the cost was too onerous and quit the pursuit. —

Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2025 And the process for restoring the right is onerous. —

Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 The best cars come at a cost—and the official one tends to be the least onerous of the bunch. —

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2025 Some in the tech industry argued the Biden rules were too onerous and could stifle innovation. —

Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for onerous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onerous

Adjective

Still, the Steelers have some tough decisions to make for their roster, and the team has already made a big one by letting Smith go.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Hot team Playing arguably the toughest schedule in the county, St. Augustine’s boys basketball team started the season 3-12.

— John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025